Unit 2: 3 - Enzymes Flashcards
What does the shape of a protein rely on?
It’s function
What are protein molecules?
Long chins of amino acids
What can proteins be used for? Give 4.
- Structural components of tissues, such as muscle
- Hormones
- Catalysts
- Antibodies
What is an enzyme’s function?
A biological catalyst
What is an enzyme?
A large protein - the shape is vital for its function.
What is the active site on an enzyme?
An area where other molecules can fit.
What is a substrate?
A layer which can be held in the active site and either be connected to another molecule or be broken down.
Give 3 “jobs” an enzyme can do.
- Build large molecules from multiple smaller ones (e.g. Glucose into starch)
- Change one molecule into another (e.g. Convert one sugar to another)
- Break down large molecules to smaller ones (e.g. Digestive enzymes)
Give the main factor that affects enzyme reaction rates.
Temperature
What is the optimum temperature? (Enzymes)
When the reaction works as fast as possible. In humans it is around 37 degrees Celsius.
What happens if the enzyme gets too hot?
It becomes denatured, and stops working.
Give another factor for enzyme performance, particularly in digestion.
pH level.
How does an enzyme become denatured?
The active site changes shape.
Give the purpose, location, place made and optimum pH value of Amylase.
A carbohydrase, amylase is produces by salivary glands, the pancreas and the small intestine. It is used in the mouth and small intestine. It breaks starch into sugars. It works best in slightly alkaline conditions.
Give the purpose, location, place made and optimum pH value of Protease.
Produced by the stomach, pancreas and small intestine. It catalysed the breakdown of proteins into amino acids in the stomach and small intestine. It works well in acidic conditions in the stomach.
Give the purpose, location, place made and optimum pH value of Lipase.
Produced by the pancreas and small intestine, lipase catalysts the break down of lipids (fats and oils) to fatty acids and glycerol. It works best in slightly alkaline conditions.
What is the purpose of bile?
The bile neutralises the acidic conditions from the stomach. It also makes the food slightly alkaline.
Where is bile produced?
The liver.
Where is bile stored?
The gall bladder.
Why are biological detergents used?
Because they work at lower temperatures than other detergents and contains protease and lipase that digest food stains.
Give a disadvantage of industrial enzymes.
They are costly to produce.
Where do we get enzymes for industrial use?
From bacteria, when they pass out of the bacterial cells.
What is isomerase used for?
Converting glucose syrup into fructose syrup.
Give a medical use of enzymes.
To diagnose, control or sometimes cure diseases.
Give an advantage of using enzymes in industrial product-making.
Costs of energy and equipment can be kept down as temperatures and pressures can be lower than usual.
Give 3 disadvantages of biological detergents.
Some fabrics like wool are digested by proteases, and enzymes denature at the temperature required to kill pathogens. Also, some people have allergic reactions to biological detergents.
Give an environmental problem with using enzymes.
They may get into the waterways via the sewage system.
